Inter 3-2 Como: Coppa Italia 2025-26 match report

The Coppa Italia semifinal at the San Siro on Wednesday evening provided a stark illustration of the volatility inherent in knockout football. In a match that appeared to be slipping away from Inter, Cristian Chivu’s side executed a remarkable late-game turnaround to defeat Como 3–2, securing a dramatic victory that will be remembered for its tactical swings and individual resilience.

The opening and Como’s control

Cesc Fabregas set Como up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, designed to exploit space behind Inter’s wing-backs and disrupt the rhythm of the hosts’ 3-5-2. For the first hour of the match, the plan functioned with clinical precision. Como’s movement in the final third consistently pulled Inter’s defensive line out of position, forcing the hosts into uncomfortable recovery runs.

The breakthrough arrived in the 32nd minute. A well-constructed move down the flank saw Ignace Van der Brempt deliver a precise ball into the path of Martin Baturina, who finished calmly to silence the San Siro. Inter struggled to find a response before the interval, appearing disjointed in midfield and unable to link their attacking duo effectively.

The situation worsened significantly just after the restart. In the 48th minute, Nico Paz orchestrated a transition that caught Inter’s defense flat-footed, threading a pass to Lucas da Cunha. Da Cunha’s finish doubled Como’s lead, leaving Inter staring at a two-goal deficit and an early exit from the competition.

The decisive moment

Recognizing the need for a structural shift, Cristian Chivu utilized the hour mark to overhaul his midfield and attacking options. The introductions of Federico Dimarco and Piotr Zieliński provided the necessary width and technical composure that had been missing in the first half. The tactical pivot allowed Inter to pin Como back, forcing the visitors to defend deep within their own half for sustained periods.

The momentum shifted decisively in the 69th minute. Petar Sučić, who had been a peripheral figure in the opening exchanges, began to dictate play from the center of the pitch. He provided the assist for Hakan Çalhanoğlu to pull one goal back, an effort that ignited the home crowd and visibly rattled the Como defense.

Despite Fabregas’s attempts to stabilize his side with substitutions in the 70th and 80th minutes, the pressure from Inter became relentless. The final ten minutes of regulation time saw a collapse in Como’s defensive discipline. In the 86th minute, Sučić again turned provider for Çalhanoğlu, who leveled the score at 2–2. With the momentum firmly in their favor, Inter pushed for a winner, which arrived in the 89th minute. This time, the roles reversed: Çalhanoğlu turned provider, setting up Sučić to complete the comeback and seal a 3–2 victory.

Looking ahead

The result serves as a testament to Inter’s depth and their ability to maintain composure under extreme pressure, ensuring their progression in the Coppa Italia. For Como, the defeat is a difficult lesson in game management, as they were unable to protect a comfortable lead against a side of Inter’s pedigree.